Course overview

This elite intensive research degree in health and (bio-) medical sciences will provide students with the opportunity to pursue and independent investigative research project under the supervision of an academic staff member in the School of Medicine, along with coursework specifically designed to provide relevant skills in research design, communication, integrity and interpretation. This course will provide students with a dedicated pathway into PhD programs or into employment where deeper disciplinary knowledge and research skills are required.

The research projects that centre on the basis of health and disease span from basic gene discovery and molecular analysis, through to functional genomics and pre-clinical development, to clinical and population studies. This includes in the fields of immunity, infectious diseases, developmental biology, exercise physiology and metabolism, musculoskeletal biology, haematology, cancer, metabolic disease, neuroscience, molecular psychiatry and nanomedicine. Research projects may also be offered in the field of rural and regional medicine, general practice, chronic disease management, public health, medical education, epidemiology, farmer health, medical imaging, surgery and optometry.

Course structure

A Master of Philosophy is awarded for an original contribution to knowledge achieved in two years of full-time study (or four years of part-time study).

To complete the Master of Philosophy must complete 4 credit points of research training coursework that includes research design, communication, integrity and interpretation, in addition to an independent research project under the supervision of a nominated supervisor.

Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.

Students will work continuously on their research project over a two-year period full-time or four year period part-time.

In addition, students need to complete 4 credit points of research training coursework units within the first year (FTE) of the course.

Intakes by location

The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.

Additional course information

Course duration - additional information

Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.

Workload

You should be able to commit 36 hours a week towards the Master of Philosophy degree. A student is entitled to 20 working days annual leave from candidature on approval by their Principal Supervisor.

Participation requirements

Elective units may be selected that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning or collaborative research training arrangements.

Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.

Work experience

Career Pathway Placements (internships) with industry partners, are offered as an elective, to all domestic and international HDR students. The timing of a proposed placement should be discussed with the supervisory team, and approved by the School HDR Coordinator.

Entry requirements

Admission criteria
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum course entry requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.

Academic requirements
To be considered for selection into this degree you are required to meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Completion of a Masters degree with a minimum credit average (65% or equivalent) in the same discipline as the proposed research thesis; or
• Completion of a bachelor degree with a distinction average (70% and above) for third year units or equivalent in the same discipline as the proposed research thesis; or
• Completion of the pre-clinical component of the Doctor of Medicine (or equivalent degree) at the postgraduate level.

English language proficiency requirements
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you’ll need to demonstrate at least one of the following:

• Bachelor degree; or
• IELTS overall score of 7.0 (with no band score less than 6.5) in each component of test; or
• Other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements).

Admissions information
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.

Not sure if you can get into Deakin postgraduate study? Postgraduate study doesn’t have to be a balancing act; we provide flexible course entry and exit options based on your desired career outcomes and the time you’re able to commit to your study.